Rawalpindi, January 10, 2026: The Pakistan Navy on Saturday successfully test-fired a surface-to-air missile during a naval exercise in the North Arabian Sea, demonstrating its conventional and unmanned warfare capabilities in line with evolving naval combat requirements, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
According to the military’s media wing, the exercise, witnessed by the Commander Pakistan Fleet—included the live firing of the LY-80(N) surface-to-air missile from a vertical launching system at an extended range. The successful engagement validated the long-range capability of the Pakistan Navy’s modern air defence systems.
“LY-80(N) SAM successfully engaged and neutralised an aerial target, demonstrating Pakistan Navy’s robust air defence capabilities,” the ISPR said.
The statement added that the Navy also successfully engaged surface targets using Loitering Munition (LM), highlighting its precision-strike capability in contemporary maritime operations. “The Loitering Munition successfully engaged and destroyed surface targets, showcasing its effectiveness in modern naval warfare,” it said.
In addition, open-sea trials of an Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) were conducted, confirming its high-speed performance, extreme manoeuvrability, precision navigation, and resilience in challenging weather conditions. The trials validated the platform’s ability to combine high speed with mission-critical durability, the ISPR noted, describing the USV as a low-risk, high-impact solution with the stealth of a tactical interceptor.
Meanwhile, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf commended the officers and sailors for their professionalism and operational competence. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Navy’s resolve to ensure the seaward defence of Pakistan and safeguard national maritime interests under all circumstances.
The latest trials follow similar recent achievements by the armed forces. Earlier this month, the Pakistan Air Force successfully test-fired the indigenously developed Taimoor Weapon System, capable of accurately striking land and sea targets at a range of 600 kilometres. In November 2025, the Pakistan Navy also conducted a successful test of an indigenously developed anti-ship ballistic missile launched from a ship, capable of engaging both sea and land targets with high accuracy using advanced guidance and enhanced manoeuvrability in complex maritime environments.
